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Town in South Bohemian, Czech Republic
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Český Krumlov (German: Krumau) is a beautiful town of 14,600 inhabitants in Southern Bohemia, in the Czech Republic. Like Prague, the town is situated on the Vltava River and is full of Baroque buildings housing cafes and bars, features a spectacular castle (the second largest in the Czech Republic), and an old-town square. The town's appearance is little changed since the 18th century and the buildings have been well maintained and restored. In 1992, Cesky Krumlov was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is very popular among tourists, who outnumber the local population in the summer and are still a notable presence during Christmas time.
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The most-visited site in town and is composed of the Little Castle (Hrádek) hosting the Castle Museum, the six-storey Chateau Tower from the Renaissance period, the Chateau, the Baroque Castle Theatre, the Chateau Garden, the Gothic Wenceslaus Cellars, and a lapidary with stone sculptures. You can walk through the complex for free, or you can pay for a visit to the Castle Museum, the observation gallery of the Chateaux Tower, two different guided tours of the Chateau interiors or the Baroque Castle Theatre. Plan at least two hours for your visit, and buy supplies for a picnic lunch in the Chateau Garden at the grocery across the ulice from the entrance on Latrán.
The best approach to the castle is from Latrán. Walk through the red iron gates to the first courtyard that houses the Unios Tourist Information center, public washrooms, a souvenir shop, Doxa Galerie, and in the summer months, a tropically inspired mixed drink stand serving up mojitos, caipirinhas, and daquiris. As you approach the Little Castle, you cross the Bear Moat, where the famous Krumlov bears gambol about lazily. Put a few coins in the slot to help keep them fat and happy..
The second courtyard features the entrance to the Castle Museum and the Chateau Tower (80Kč and 50Kč respectively, 130Kč combined). After slogging up the vertiginous staircase, you are treated to a 360-degree view of the town. The second courtyard also hosts a small fountain, and the main ticket office where you can book scheduled tours of the interior to the Chateau and the one-of-a-kind Baroque Castle Theatre (consider buying the tickets in advance if you would like to attend the tours as the entrance to the tours is quite distant from the ticket office and you may find it tiring to walk back all the way once you reach there). The restaurant Maselnice, across from the ticket office, is a good place to stop for refreshment..
Tours of the castle interior begin in the third castle courtyard, where you will find another souvenir store and the entrance to the Wenceslaus Cellars (60Kč), which now houses modern ceramic art pieces. Plaštovy Most, or the “Cloaked Bridge” is covered by a walkway that leads from the Chateau to the Baroque Theatre, and affords another sweeping view of the town. Continue to walk uphill and you will find the entrance to the monumental chateau gardens. A newly restored fountain, maze of hedgerows, a revolving theatre jihoceskedivadlo.cz/otacivehlediste/?m=2&l=en and a Medieval-style restaurant, Marketa beckon. At the far end of the gardens, you’ll find a lush duck pond, situated in a stand of moody, gnarled trees. This is the perfect picnic spot.
The Baroque theatre is the only one in Europe that survives in its original 18th century form with no modern additions. This means that stage sets are still operated by manual labour, and candlelight is still used to illuminate the stage and orchestra pit. Period performances of operas are occasionally performed at the theatre.
Permanent exhibitions of Bohemian antiques, geological fossils, archeological finds from the nearby Celtic oppidum, and interesting rotating exhibits of local interest. On the top floor, check out the ceramic scale model of Český Krumlov at the turn of the 19th century, when eight more towers and spires decorated the landscape.
Egon Schiele, one of the world’s most famous artists, was a contemporary of Gustav Klimt. He set up his easel for a short time in Český Krumlov, painting the tortured landscapes of his famous Dead Town series, and young girls in compromising poses. The townspeople labeled him a perverted pornographer, and drove him out.
This mine offers a bit of information about the history of mining and about the region of Český Krumlov. Before you set off on the excursion, you get a special miner uniform, including helmet and miner torch. Underground, you are transported by a special miner train. There you continue on foot. You will be able to experience the conditions under which the miners worked, and the machines they used. The guide will inform you about mining procedures, and how graphite was reworked and used. Excursion takes appx. 1 hr.
Way of the cross that leads to chapel on Cross Mountain, with nice view of the city.
There are interactive exhibitions and nice gardens.
Klášter Zlatá Koruna
National cultural monument.
You can rent rafts on several locations and hostels in and out the town, and near the camping area as well. The river can become faster flowing in summer months after rain, so approach the weirs with caution.
Vydra has been running canoe, raft, kayak and paddleboard rentals for over 30 years — full equipment and transport to your launch point included, collection at the finish too. Routes range from a relaxed 2-hour float through the historic centre to a full-day paddle from Rožmberk or a multi-day adventure starting at Vyšší Brod. Night rafting under the illuminated castle is a local favourite. Before you go, use the free interactive Vltava River Map to plan your route — it shows put-in points, weirs, riverside camps, current water levels and estimated paddling times for every section. No experience needed; suitable for families with children.
If you think you know Český Krumlov well and nothing can surprise you, do night-rafting. You will explore historical centre of Český Krumlov in very different way. You ride down the river with a guide. For your safety you get life jackets and there is a guide who goes with you. Trip planning services are available, as well as either one day long or multiple-days trips. Canoes, rafts, kayaks, (big red) water tubes and paddleboards available.
Rent a boat or take the historical wooden raft tour with guides and commentary in English.
Make sure you get proper instructions on how to navigate the weirs through town, or you could end up with some small injuries as a souvenir of your visit.
They provide all the gear you need, including a helmet. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a couple sugar cubes or an apple to sweeten the experience. You must book ahead – ask at your accommodation or at one of the tourist information centers.
Ride a raft down the river. Free shots and free beer at each bar you stop at. Pub crawl on the river. 400 Kč per person. Meet at travellers' hostel near the square daily between 11 and 12 in the morning for a full day of fun games, paddling, and drinking with new friends.
Open-air theatre with a revolving auditorium placed in the chateau gardens with view on the Bellaria villa.
Koloběžky Krumlov
Rental of kick-bikes.
Indoor and outdoor concerts during the months of July and August. The festival features International music greats coupled with a rich mix of musical genres. Even if tickets are sold out, you can still find an outdoor pub and soak in the sounds and post-concert fireworks.
Whether you are staying at the adjacent hostel or not, Hospoda 99 makes it a perfect spot to sit, relax, drink and enjoy some of the best Czech and American-inspired dishes in town. Join the locals and guests on the lovely terrace or inside with a lounge, good food, good service (staff speaks English) and all at reasonable prices. The kitchen closes at 23:00 but the bar does not. Right across the street is Deli 99 with great coffee, fresh baked bread, delicious sandwiches combo, bagels and pastries to sate small hungers. Illy coffee available to go or to savor in a comfortable room while reading a newspaper or viewing some locals’ photos of their travels.
This cozy tavern on the site of the old jailhouse is filled with tourists and locals alike, so try going on off-hours to enjoy the ambiance by the fire. Onion soup in a bread bowl followed by some meats grilled on the fire is a good bet.
Český Krumlov’s veggie haven and tea house. Even meat eaters enjoy the healthy departure from fried pork and take a stab at the creatively cooked grains.
Serves up quality food, and lots of it. Standard Czech fare, and a good range of salads. If you’re not so hungry, ask for the poloviční porce, or half-portion. Half-portions should be half the price of the normal-sized meal.
Unlike many other restaurants in the Czech Republic, service here comes with a smile. Reasonably priced fare piled high with fresh vegetables and potatoes makes even the simplest entrée fit for a king.
Owned by a Sicilian-Czech couple. Serves the most authentic Italian dishes in town. Here you’ll find pizzas, salads and gnocchi to nosh, and even homemade tiramisù.
The building is owned by one of the town’s leading experts in historical preservation. Homemade delicacies made from old Czech recipes and offer a good selection of vegetarian offerings. The best deal is their Bohemian Platter with samplings of almost every dish on their menu for either meat eaters or vegetarians.
Serving local food near the center of the city for a reasonable price.
The chocolate ice-cream is incredible!
A beautiful bar in a historic building, full of artistic details and a real special drinking menu. The owner travels during winter to find special rums, tequilas and whiskeys in South America. The best rums you ever had (for very little money). The owner will pour the drinks at your table and is willing to tell you the story that goes with the drink.
Cold Pilsner Urquell, hot Gypsy goulash, and great atmosphere made by a mix of travelers and die-hard locals. On the weekends, live Gypsy music swells the space, and bodies melt into the bar.
For those who would rather sample a list of more than 200 types of teas from all over the world such as one to “drink with slim concubines”.
Locally-brewed Eggenberg beer tastes best here. Try the kvasnice, the yeast beer, if available.
Never ending trick-or-treats. Ask the barmaid with the darkened eye sockets for skoumavky for your table: little test-tubes filled with blood-red liquor. Specialty drink is the Ginger Mojito.
Soukenická ulice where travellers meet locals. modern music, open till 4, 5 even 6 in the morning, vibrant. for a wild night out.
A local bar for students, die-hards, and the odd lost traveler. On offer: Gambrinus, Pilser Urquell, impromptu acoustic guitar jams, and hedonistic, roasted pig knuckle gorge-fests.
the only non-smoking pub/cafe in Cesky Krumlov with friendly service, family-friendly attitude. Bernard beer served. Often live music on the weekends and in summer the terrace is the most perfect place to soak in the Cesky Krumlov skyline.
Drink list includes about 40 cocktails but it is for reference only. They apply an individual approach to customers and after a short discussion, they will mix a cocktail tailored to taste.
Large campsite. A nearby grocery store (10 minute walk) and a couple of local restaurants next to the camping site will keep hunger at bay.
A camp site with possibility of boat rental.
Fun place, no bunk beds in a 16th-century building, with wooden beamed ceilings and a terrace out-looking the castle tower. Free beer on Wednesdays! Great bar/restaurant on site. Internet access and laundry available.
Lots of wood crafted details. Very quiet, spacious and clean. 100 percent non-smoking and family-friendly. Wifi, full kitchen, private rooms, lounge with DVDs and musical instruments. Laundry available.
Hell Hole
Hell Hole
Offers boats for Vltava trips, also kick-bike rental (scooter) for downhill ride.
By bus
From Prague, and other nearby cities or towns of Bohemia, getting to Český Krumlov by public bus can be sometimes faster and cheaper than by train.
By car
It's possible to park in one of the paid parking lots north-west of the old town. Or if you arrive very early and are lucky, you may be able to take one of the few spots along the main road.
By boat
Canoe, kayak or raft are the most popular vehicles to reach Český Krumlov in summer (especially among Czech people).
By bike
Many good biking paths lead you to and from Český Krumlov, but you're not encouraged to ride through the streets once you get here. Park and lock your bike and enjoy not pedaling for a while.
By boat
No tours are necessary, boat rentals will sort everything out for you. If you are only interested in the Český Krumlov section of the river, it's about 2 hours long trip.
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